Francisco San Martin, a Spanish-born actor known for his role as Dario Hernandez on “Days of Our Lives,” died by suicide at his Los Angeles, California, home on Thursday, January 16, 2025. He was 39. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as ligature hanging.
Born in Mallorca, Spain, San Martin’s path to acting began after his family moved to Montana, where he participated in children’s theater productions. During his teenage years, he returned to Spain, establishing himself in Madrid’s entertainment industry as an actor and model, appearing in various stage productions and television shows before deciding to pursue opportunities in the United States.
His entry into American television came through “Days of Our Lives,” where he initially appeared in a minor role as a patient who dies from a virus. This brief appearance led to a more significant opportunity when he was later cast as Dario Hernandez.
His initial “Days of Our Lives” storyline began with his character appearing as a petty thief, later revealed to be a cover for his true identity as an investigator looking into a cold case. This complex character development showcased his acting range and helped establish him in the daytime television landscape. Actor Jordi Vilasuso would later reinterpret the role of Dario Hernandez in 2016-2017, who took the character in a new direction.
Following his departure from “Days of Our Lives,” San Martin expanded his career into film, securing a role in the prestigious 2013 HBO feature “Behind the Candelabra,” directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. In the Soderbergh-directed film, San Martin had the opportunity to work alongside award-winning actors Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, marking his most significant motion picture appearance.
In 2017, San Martin returned to television with two notable roles. He appeared in 16 episodes of “The Bold and the Beautiful” as Mateo, a groundskeeper character. His character on “The Bold and the Beautiful” appeared in a significant storyline during his 16-episode arc. That same year, he joined the cast of The CW’s “Jane the Virgin,” starring opposite Gina Rodriguez. In the series, he portrayed Fabian Regalo del Cielo, a telenovela star whose good looks caught the attention of the show’s titular character. His character was written as a telenovela heartthrob who captivated audiences with his charm, playing an integral role in the show’s blend of comedy and drama.
His role in “Jane the Virgin” spanned seasons three and four of the series, marking one of his most memorable television appearances.
Beyond his acting career, San Martin also developed a passion for photography, adding another creative dimension to his professional life. His final screen appearance was in a short film titled “Dot.”
Former co-star Camila Banus, who portrayed San Martin’s on-screen sister Gabi in “Days of Our Lives,” shared a tribute on Instagram: “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more.”
San Martin’s death comes as “Days of Our Lives” approaches its 60th anniversary celebration later this year.
